Carnival Parade in Palma 2024 – 11th February 2024
In the heart of Palma, a vibrant anticipation fills the air as the city hall dots the i’s and crosses the t’s for the much-awaited Sa Rua carnival, set to unfold this Sunday, February 11th.
Sa Rua 2024 is not just any carnival; it’s a festivity that paints the town with colours of joy, creativity, and communal spirit, culminating in a grand award ceremony for the most imaginative floats and groups in the majestic plaça Rei Joan Carles I.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The eve of the carnival, Saturday, February 10th, promises another day of revelry with the Carnival de s’Arenal. Moreover, the island’s Part Forana is a buzz with its own array of celebrations including parades, music, dances, and the quirky tradition of the burial of the sardine, all kicking off on Thursday.
Burying the sardine is a tradition that started in 1851, and has more than 170 years of history. It began when a group of Murcian students, followed the parade and walked dressed in black hoods and kitchen utensils, walked through the streets of the city carrying a coffin on their shoulders with a sardine inside. They used to burn it but now bury it!
Carnival in Mallorca, or ‘els Darrers dies’ as it’s affectionately known, is a prelude to the Christian Lent, marking a time of festivity and indulgence. This year, the carnival precedes the Easter celebrations set for March 28th, making it the perfect opening act for the season’s festivities, including the much-anticipated Fira del Ram.
The Parade and Its Glittering Prizes
The parade route for Sa Rua 2024 is a spectacle in itself, winding through la Rambla, Riera Street, Unió Street, and culminating in plaça del Rei Joan Carles I before a final flourish down Jaume III Avenue.
The culmination of this vibrant procession is a concert and award ceremony in the plaça, where the community’s creativity is celebrated in grand style.
To spark the flames of creativity and participation, the Palma City Council has also announced a contest for the best floats and groups, with a tempting prize pool of 2,800 euros.
Four top floats will be honored with 450 euros each, and another four groups will be awarded 250 euros each for their outstanding contributions.
Those eager to join in have a window from February 5th to 8th to submit their entries, and a chance to showcase their imagination and spirit.
Sa Rua 2024 promises to be a canvas of joy, creativity, and community, reflecting the unique spirit of Mallorca.
It’s more than a carnival; it represents the island’s rich culture and the vibrant life that thrives across the Island, even in these quieter winter months.
So, be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to be enchanted by the spectacle that is Sa Rua 2024.
